This Land, Your Land

Take A Child Outside Week - September 24 to 30 - is a program designed to help break down obstacles that keep children from discovering the natural world, says its organizer, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

"By arming parents, teachers and other caregivers with resources on outdoor activities, our goal is to help children across the country develop a better understanding and appreciation of the environment in which they live, and a burgeoning enthusiasm for its exploration."

The museum's Web site offers a map of activities for the week and ideas for making your own plans.

Our site, Carolina Outdoors Guide, offers hundreds of places in North Carolina to take a child outdoors, all of which you are paying for with your tax dollars. Particularly for children, we suggest Educational State Forests for easily walked, fun and interesting outings, as well as our state parks and national parks, which provide a variety of experiences across the state.